More Than a Nuisance:
The Threat of Cockroaches
Understanding the enemy in your Leon, Waklla or Gadsden County home.
In Florida, we primarily deal with two types of roaches: the smaller German cockroach and the larger American cockroach, often called a "palmetto bug." German cockroaches breed rapidly and prefer kitchens and bathrooms, while the American cockroach is a robust traveler that can enter from outside. Both are drawn to food, moisture, and shelter, and their ability to hide in tiny, dark places makes DIY methods largely ineffective. Without professional intervention, an infestation can quickly spiral out of control.
Spot the Signs: How to Identify a Cockroach Problem
Catching an infestation before it takes aver.
Look for these signs to confirm you have a cockroach problem:
• Droppings:
Small, black, pepper-like specks or larger, cylindrical pellets in cabinets, drawers, or on the floor.
• Musty Odor:
A sweet, unpleasant odor that grows stronger as an infestation worsens.
• Egg Cases (Oothecae):
Dark, oval-shaped capsules, about a third of an inch long, often glued to hidden surfaces.
• Sightings:
Since cockroaches are nocturnal, seeing even one during the day can indicate a large hidden population.
Our Proven 3-Step Cockroach Extermination Process
Safe, thorough, and tailored for our local homes.
Our comprehensive approach ensures a complete and lasting solution.
1. Comprehensive Inspection:
Our technicians will perform a detailed inspection of your property to identify the specific type of roach, locate all harborages, and pinpoint entry points.
2. Targeted Treatment:
We use a combination of advanced bait gels, dusts, and targeted liquid applications that are highly effective against roaches but safe for your family and pets.
3. Preventative Measures:
After eliminating the infestation, we'll seal cracks and crevices and apply preventive treatments to block future entry points and ensure long-term protection.
Before We Arrive: Your Simple Preparation Checklist
How you can help ensure a complete treatment
To maximize the effectiveness of our service, please follow these steps:
1. Clean up all food crumbs, spills, and standing water.
2. Store all food items in sealed, airtight containers or in the refrigerator.
3. Empty kitchen cabinets and store contents elsewhere to allow for a thorough treatment.
4. Remove clutter, such as stacks of paper, cardboard, and boxes, which provide hiding spots.
Common Cockroaches in North Florida
Know your enemy-identifying the roaches invading your home.
German Cockroach
This is the most problematic cockroach in the United States and the one most likely to cause a large-scale infestation inside your property.
• Appearance: Small (about 1/2 to 5/8 inches long) and light brown or tan, with two distinct dark, parallel stripes on its back.
• Habits: Prefers warm, humid environments close to food and water, making them common in residential and commercial kitchens and bathrooms. They are mostly nocturnal but may be seen during the day if the population is large.
German cockroaches reproduce faster than any other species and can rapidly take over a home if left unaddressed. They are most often introduced by hitchhiking in grocery bags, cardboard boxes, or used appliances.
American Cockroach (Palmetto Bug)
Known locally as the "palmetto bug," the American cockroach is the largest roach species that infests Florida homes.
• Appearance:
Reddish-brown and large, growing up to 2 inches long. Adults have wings and can fly short distances.
• Habits:
Primarily live outdoors in sewers, drains, mulch beds, and around dumpsters, but will readily move indoors, especially during extreme weather like heavy rain or drought. They prefer warm, damp places like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. They often enter homes through plumbing and pipes.
Smokybrown Cockroach
This large, flying cockroach is a common outdoor species that can find its way inside during the
summer.
• Appearance: A shiny, dark brown or mahogany color, similar to the American cockroach but with a more uniform color and slightly smaller size (about 1-1.5 inches).
• Habits: Primarily outdoor dwellers, they live in tree holes, gutters, and under roof shingles. They are attracted to lights at night, which is often how they end up getting inside a home or business. They are particularly vulnerable to dehydration and are always on the lookout for a water source.
Florida Woods Cockroach
Also known as the "stinking roach," this is a robust, outdoor-dwelling species.
• Appearance: Large (about 1.5 inches), dark reddish-brown, and has a beetle-like appearance.
They do not have wings and are slow-moving.
• Habits: They live almost exclusively outdoors in woodpiles, under logs, and in leaf litter. When threatened or disturbed, they release a foul-smelling secretion. While they don't infest homes like German roaches, they can occasionally wander inside, especially in more rural areas like Wakulla and Liberty counties.
What this means for you
Because North Florida is home to a variety of cockroach species, professional identification is key to effective treatment. DIY methods designed for one type of cockroach may not work on another. Our team of experts can properly identify the roach and create a targeted plan to get rid of them for good.
Professional Pest Control Servicing Tallahassee and Surrounding Counties
We bring guaranteed relief to your neighborhood, whether it's in Leon or a neighboring county
We Proudly serve the greater Tallahassee Area and all of the following counties:
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Leon County
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Wakulla County
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Gadsden County
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Liberty County
If you live in a nearby area not listed here, please call us to see if we can serve you.
Your Cockroach Free Guarantee
Don't just take our word for it-see what our neighbors are saying.
We stand by our work. If Cockroaches return within our warranty period, we will re-treat your home at no extra cost.
" Responsiveness, Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value" - Michele Moran
"We have been customers for years and if you want a small business owner that cares about their customers and is professional in all aspects with that family touch, then you don't have to go any further. From the moment you meet Hank, you'll know he's the man for the job. Super friendly, very detailed oriented, answers qny questions, never rushes so the job is done RIGHT the FIRST TIME, and I could go on. In 2021, I had a nasty yellow jacket nest under some RR Ties... Hank came out and dusted that nest and area. Within 3 hours, there wasn't a sign of any yellow jackets. The nest was "removed..."
We are 100% satisfied with Hank and his business. It's that hometown feel of service and reasonable prices on everything! If I could give Hank more than 5 Stars I would! So consider it done here in the review! 10 stars!! - Alan Gorski
